Potty-training on Puppy's 1st Day

You're all prepared, potty-training and a host of other basic dog training is what you can expect on the first day. Don't worry, relax, throughout the rest of the day, there will be lots of time for play, and especially plenty of time for those hugs and kisses. You need to start basic dog training, and the first day, by all means, is the perfect time to start.

"Moki Aloha" An original one-of-a-kind, hand carved sculpture by Reems Mitchell of Ulupalakua Ranch in Upcountry Maui 1983. Picture taken in Koloa, Hawaii.

Let's say you have a yard, and upon puppy's arrival, she may need to relieve herself. You put her collar and leash on, you take her to the spot in the yard, you put her down, she goes, and you give her a treat, a reward and you say in your most glorious voice, "Goooooooood puppy".

That's all good, but puppy's first impression and first thought would be, "Wow, I like going here, and my leader likes it too, I guess this is the spot".

In reality, are you going to run her outside every time she needs to go? First of all you're not going to be fast enough, bringing her to her potty training pad or paper in the house would be closer.

Secondly, you may confuse her when you begin potty-training in the house and expect her to go on the pad or paper after she already went on the grass outside. Start potty-training in the house, remembering that the first impression is the best, especially with a new puppy.

On the second or third day, take her outside, choose a spot for potty-time. If she goes potty outside, give her a treat, a reward and say, "Gooooood puppy".

No harm done. Whenever you take her out, use the same potty spot.

While you and puppy are outside, it is a good idea to enjoy the sun and have some playtime. Exercise is good for all dogs, and playtime is the best way to get it. Don't forget to scoop the poop!

With her collar and leash on, bring her into the house, show her around, her new surroundings, her new home.

First stop--Her potty-training area, her litter box, training pad, or paper. Put her down, if she goes say, "Goooooood puppy", give her a treat, with lots of hugs and kisses. If she doesn't go, that's okay, there will be more of these times to come.

Second stop--Her sleeping area, her pet bed, her crate or kennel, and her soft puppy toys that you picked out for her. Maybe a chew stick too.Then her feeding area, with a water dish, and a food dish.

If she hasn't done so yet, let puppy meet the rest of the family. Have each one hold her, give her a treat, and talk to her. This way, she will familiarize herself with each one's voice and smell. If you have other pets in the household, introduce puppy to them too, even if it's your fishes in the fish bowl.

See more to life different experiences on my page A Happy Puppy Through Early Socialization, that you can introduce your new puppy to.

Show her around the rest of the house. It would be a good idea not to let your puppy into all the rooms, until she is house trained, especially if they are carpeted. You may want to invest in a couple of pet gates and use where needed.

You will be finding yourself saying the word--NO--a few times for awhile. Say it firmly, at the right time, no yelling, and no harmful physical force.

You may use another word for correcting as the word "no" is pretty much used for a lot for other things, especially if you have children. We wouldn't want your puppy to get confused. Try "oops", "ah-ah", "worries", whatever you can think of. It's important to use the same word or phrase every time, don't mix em up.

It is also important to remember that when she does something wrong, she doesn't know it's wrong, until you correct her, and remember timing is crucial.

Never punish your puppy by putting her in her crate or kennel, that is her place of security, a place where she can feel safe, and her place to get away from it all.

Days will pass, you will get to know your puppy better, and she will get used to all the new rules. After awhile, these new rules will become second nature for the both of you.

Potty-training may take awhile, but remember to..........

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